Abstract
A bobby pin foreign body was aspirated into R 10 of a 14 years old girl.
Repeated trials of bronchoscopic removal were unsuccessful and removed by thoracotomy by the surgical staff.
Upon opening the chest, head of the pin was found to be protruding outside of the bronchial wall, which the major portion of the pin stayed in the bronchial lumen. This finding explained the difficulty of bronchoscopic removal.
Method of foreign body extraction under broncoscope of this type of foreign body were discussed. The author introduced a new forceps with a peace of magnet attached to the tip.
Importance of instrumental preparation and general anesthesia in the initial trial was stressed.
External approach is hoped to be avoided, but we have to be prepared for such cases in which external approach is necessitated.
The authors feel that surgical competence by bronchesophagologists in the external direct approach to the bronchus and esophagus is important.
